"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal!
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Friday, May 28th, 2010
Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) is excited to report that the amendment that was added to the Defense Policy Bill repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on open military service by lesbian and gay Americans has been voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives 234 to 194 . Earlier in the day the Senate Armed Services Committee voted in favor of repealing the law in a 16-12 vote in their version. This repeal will strengthen military readiness, retention and recruitment. It will also save millions of taxpayer dollars each year in turnover costs. "Too many competent military personnel have been discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" since its creation. With the repeal, LGBT service members in uniform can focus on defending and serving our country. Presently, they live in fear of being removed at any given second for just being themselves." Says OkEq Advocacy Director Kris Wilmes. There will be several crucial votes on this landmark decision, but legislators are voicing their opposition to any repeal before the Pentagon completes a study on the impact of lesbians and gays serving openly in the military. Oklahomans for Equality encourages you to contact your elected official and voice your support for the repeal.
You can find the contact information for your legislator by visiting:
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
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